Midjourney Prompt Basics

Clear control variables are more useful than a long list of vague adjectives. Start with the subject, action/state, environment, composition, lighting, style and ratio.

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[subject], [action/state], [environment], [composition], [lighting], [style], --ar [ratio]

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a barista pouring hand-drip coffee, warm wooden cafe interior, close-up composition,
soft morning light, minimalist editorial style, --ar 16:9

#Define six visual variables

Identify who/what appears, what happens, where it happens, camera distance/angle/whitespace, lighting/time atmosphere, and medium/material/style. Clear snapshot-like descriptions are easier to control than conflicting detailed lists.

#Distinguish references

Style Reference concerns visual treatment. Omni Reference concerns retaining a person, character, object or vehicle where supported. Subject preservation and style consistency are different goals; check model/version support for each control.

#Compare prompts

A request for a “super beautiful stylish futuristic amazing cafe” lacks a subject and scene intention. A more concrete brief is:

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a barista making coffee behind a marble counter, modern cafe interior,
medium shot, soft daylight, clean editorial aesthetic, --ar 4:5

#Iterate one variable

Once the direction is suitable, change composition, ratio, lighting or style individually so the cause of a result is observable.

For covers, prioritize framing/whitespace; for moodboards, palette/material/atmosphere; for products, detail/material/clean backgrounds. Simplify conflicting styles, strengthen vague subjects and reduce backgrounds that compete with the focal point.

Keep reusable briefs organized by cover, product, social and concept-art use rather than treating one prompt as universal.